Business

Events

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What are the minimum spend requirements for exclusive hire of Duck & Waffle?

Minimum spends vary significantly by day and time: Saturday evenings require £30k (excluding VAT and service), Sunday evenings £25k, weekday evenings £26k, and July evenings start at £20k minimum. All minimum spends exclude VAT and the mandatory 18% service charge (15% service charge plus 3% event management fee).

What are the capacity limits for different event formats?

Duck & Waffle exclusive hire accommodates up to 250 guests standing or 120 seated. For bar bookings, the space holds up to 40 people in a seated and standing mixture, while groups of 30+ get a roped-off semi-private area within the bar.

What additional mandatory costs apply beyond the minimum spend?

All events incur an 18% service charge (15% service plus 3% event management fee) on top of the minimum spend, plus VAT. Security and furniture removal charges apply for exclusive hire events, though specific amounts aren't detailed in standard quotes.

What are the standard event timings and setup access?

Evening events typically run 18:30 to midnight with setup access from 16:30. Bar bookings are available for up to 3 hours from booking time with option to extend. Breakfast events run 08:00-11:00, and the venue operates a regular restaurant service during the day.

How do bar bookings work for smaller groups?

Bar bookings accommodate up to 40 people with minimum spends of £4k (including VAT, excluding 14% service) for evening slots or £5k for dinner periods. Groups of 30+ receive a roped-off semi-private area within the main bar space rather than full exclusivity.

What are the booking and payment requirements?

Full minimum spend is required as a deposit within 24 hours of booking confirmation. The venue operates a 7-day cancellation policy for bar bookings and 14-day policy for private dining. All group bookings require pre-ordering of arrival drinks and canapés.

Are there restrictions on event types or external suppliers?

The venue cannot host externally promoted ticketed events due to licensing restrictions - any ticketed events must be organised by Duck & Waffle directly. The venue does not supply Halal meat but can provide vegetarian alternatives.

How far in advance can bookings be made?

Standard bookings can be made online up to 2 months in advance. For exclusive hire and larger events, dates are only held upon specific request and availability varies significantly based on demand and season.

What dining options are available for different group sizes?

The private dining room accommodates up to 20 guests with breakfast minimum spends from £500 (including VAT, excluding 14% service). Larger groups can access seated menus, canapé menus, and beverage packages, with pre-ordering required for all group bookings.

How does pricing differ between weekdays and weekends?

Saturday is considered high-demand with significantly higher minimum spends (£30k vs £25k for Sunday evenings). The venue notes that Saturday operates as a regular restaurant which impacts minimum spend requirements, making Sunday bookings more budget-friendly.